Genesis 2:16

KJV

¶ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} God {H430} commanded {H6680} the man {H120}, saying {H559}, Of every tree {H6086} of the garden {H1588} thou mayest freely {H398} eat {H398}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai, God, gave the person this order: “You may freely eat from every tree in the garden

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD God commanded him, “You may eat freely from every tree of the garden,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 2:16 inaugurates the divine-human relationship with a profound declaration of God's boundless generosity and the foundational parameters for human existence within the Garden of Eden. This pivotal verse vividly portrays the Creator's benevolent provision, establishing an overflowing abundance and expansive freedom as the context for humanity's life, thereby setting the stage for understanding God's character as a gracious Giver and the subsequent introduction of human responsibility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the [creation of Adam](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - The Creation of Man") and his placement in the meticulously prepared [Garden of Eden](/genesis/2-8 "Genesis 2:8 - The Planting of the Garden of Eden"). Genesis 2:16 serves as the initial articulation of God's will to humanity, establishing the vast scope of their permissible actions before the singular prohibition is introduced in the [very next verse](/genesis/2-17 "Genesis 2:17 - The First Prohibition"). It underscores the immense privilege and freedom granted to Adam, highlighting the overwhelming abundance that precedes any limitation, thereby framing the subsequent command within a context of divine generosity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings and deities often provided for their subjects, but such provision frequently came with strict obligations and limited freedoms. The Genesis account, however, portrays a unique relationship where the Creator God, Yahweh Elohim, proactively and generously provides for humanity's every need before any command is issued. The concept of a "garden" (Hebrew: _gan_) was often associated with divine presence and blessing, a sacred space where humanity could dwell in intimate fellowship with God, reflecting a pre-fall ideal of existence. This setting emphasizes a relationship built on benevolent provision rather than mere contractual obligation.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 2:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully introduces the theme of **Divine Benevolence and Provision**, showcasing God as the ultimate Giver who delights in supplying for His creation's well-being, a truth echoed in passages like [Psalm 145:16](/psalms/145-16 "Psalm 145:16 - God's Open Hand of Provision"). It also establishes the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, as God, the Creator, exercises His inherent right to command and set the terms for His creation's existence, a principle foundational to all subsequent divine law and revelation. Furthermore, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **Human Freedom within Divine Boundaries**, highlighting that true flourishing is found not in absolute autonomy, but in living within the wise and good framework established by the Creator, foreshadowing the importance of obedience throughout the biblical story, as seen in [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, a primitive root meaning "(intensively) to constitute, enjoin; appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order." This word signifies a direct, authoritative, and intentional declaration from God, not a suggestion. It establishes God's sovereign right to set the terms for His creation and highlights the foundational nature of this instruction.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, derived from _adam_ (to be ruddy), referring to a human being, an individual or the species, mankind. This term emphasizes that the command is given specifically to humanity, the pinnacle of God's creation, highlighting their unique position and responsibility as image-bearers. It is a personal address to the first human.
* **freely eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal ʼâkal'_):** From H398, a primitive root meaning "to eat (literally or figuratively)." The repetition of the verb (an infinitive absolute construction, _akol tokhel_) serves as an emphatic affirmation. It conveys an extraordinary degree of permission, certainty, and generosity. It's not merely "you may eat," but "you may indeed eat" or "eating, you shall eat," underscoring the boundless provision and God's desire for humanity's full enjoyment of His creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD God commanded the man,"**: This clause marks the inaugural direct, verbal communication from the Creator to humanity. The use of "LORD God" (Yahweh Elohim) is significant, combining God's covenant name (Yahweh), which emphasizes His personal, relational, and faithful character, with His general name for God as Creator (Elohim), highlighting His power and sovereignty. This dual name underscores that the command comes from a God who is both intimately involved with humanity and possesses ultimate authority over all creation, establishing a relationship of personal engagement and inherent divine prerogative.
* **"saying,"**: This simple yet crucial word highlights the clarity, directness, and intentionality of the divine communication. God does not merely imply or suggest; He speaks with absolute precision, establishing the basis for a relationship built on revealed will and clear expectations. It signals the beginning of a direct address that lays out the terms of humanity's existence in the Garden.
* **"Of every tree of the garden"**: This phrase emphasizes the boundless extent of God's provision and the vast scope of Adam's permissible actions. The inclusion of "every tree" (excluding the one in the subsequent verse) underscores God's immense generosity and desire for humanity's flourishing. It portrays a world of overwhelming abundance and delight, reflecting God's nature as the benevolent Giver who delights in supplying for His creation's well-being.
* **"thou mayest freely eat:"**: This concluding phrase, with its emphatic Hebrew construction (_akol tokhel_), powerfully conveys the absolute certainty and extraordinary generosity of God's permission. It is a strong affirmation of God's benevolence, granting vast liberty and enjoyment before any restriction is introduced. This highlights God's desire for humanity to revel in the good gifts He provides, establishing a context of overflowing grace and freedom.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 2:16 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Emphasis** or **Intensification**, achieved through the Hebrew infinitive absolute construction `אכול תאכל` (_akol tokhel_) for "freely eat." This grammatical structure underscores the extraordinary generosity and boundless permission God grants to Adam, highlighting that God's default posture towards humanity is one of abundant provision rather than restriction. There is also a strong sense of **Direct Discourse**, as God speaks directly to the man, establishing a personal and relational foundation for the divine-human interaction, which sets a precedent for subsequent revelations. Furthermore, the phrase "Of every tree of the garden" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Abundance Imagery**, painting a picture of overwhelming provision that far outweighs the single forthcoming prohibition, thereby framing the divine command within a context of immense blessing and liberty. This verse serves as an **Inaugural Command**, setting the initial ethical and relational framework for humanity's existence and foreshadowing the consequences of obedience or disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 2:16 profoundly reveals God's character as a supremely generous and benevolent Creator who delights in providing for His creation's well-being. This initial command, framed by vast permission, establishes the foundational truth that God's primary posture towards humanity is one of overflowing grace and provision, not arbitrary restriction. It demonstrates His inherent right to set terms for His creation, showcasing His ultimate authority over all things, while simultaneously highlighting His desire for humanity's flourishing within those wise and loving boundaries. This sets the stage for understanding that true human flourishing is found not in autonomy, but in living within the wise and good framework established by the Creator.

* [Psalm 145:16](/psalms/145-16 "Psalm 145:16 - God Opens His Hand to Satisfy")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift is from Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 2:16 invites us to cultivate a profound sense of gratitude for the abundant provision and freedom God grants us daily. It reminds us that our Creator is not primarily a God of restrictions, but one who delights in providing for our well-being and desires our flourishing. Therefore, we are called to appreciate His good gifts and recognize that true liberty is often found within the wise and loving boundaries He establishes for our lives, leading us to a deeper trust in His benevolent will. This verse challenges us to shift our perspective from focusing on the few things we cannot have to celebrating the overwhelming abundance God has already provided. It encourages us to live in grateful obedience, understanding that God's commands are always for our ultimate good and flourishing, guiding us toward a life of true freedom and joy in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's command in Genesis 2:16 shape our understanding of His character as a Giver?**
* **In what ways do we sometimes focus on the "one restriction" rather than the "vast provision" in our lives, and how can we shift our perspective?**
* **How can recognizing God's benevolent boundaries lead to true freedom and flourishing in our daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "LORD God" in this verse?**

Answer: The use of "LORD God" (Yahweh Elohim) is highly significant as it combines God's covenant name (Yahweh), emphasizing His personal, relational, and faithful character, with His general name for God as Creator (Elohim), highlighting His power and sovereignty. This combination underscores that the command comes from a God who is both intimately involved with humanity and possesses ultimate authority over all creation. It reveals that the one who gives the command is not a distant deity, but a personal God who relates to His creation, yet retains absolute power and the right to establish terms.

**Why is the emphasis on "freely eat" so strong?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase `אכול תאכל` (_akol tokhel_), an infinitive absolute construction, is used to convey intense emphasis and certainty. It could be translated as "eating, you shall eat" or "you may indeed eat." This linguistic emphasis powerfully communicates the extraordinary generosity and boundless permission God grants to humanity, highlighting His desire for their flourishing and delight before any limitation is introduced. It underscores His benevolent nature as a Giver, establishing that the vast majority of creation is freely available for humanity's enjoyment, making the subsequent prohibition stand out as a singular, specific boundary within an ocean of provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 2:16, with its profound emphasis on God's generous provision and the freedom to eat from every tree, foreshadows the ultimate and inexhaustible provision found in Jesus Christ. While Adam was given physical sustenance in Eden, Christ offers spiritual and eternal sustenance as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [true Vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"). The abundance of edible trees in Eden points to the spiritual feast available in Christ, who invites all to partake of His life-giving grace. Through His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus restores access to the "tree of life" that was lost in the Fall, granting believers [eternal life and abundant grace](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life"). In Christ, God's benevolent command to "freely eat" finds its ultimate fulfillment in a spiritual reality, where all who believe are invited to partake of His inexhaustible riches, enjoy true, unrestrained fellowship with God, and experience the fullness of life that was originally intended for humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 15:22

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Genesis 2:9

And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 3:1

¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Genesis 3:2

And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: